Strom Thurmond, back when he was a Democrat, “supported racial segregation with the longest filibuster ever conducted by a single Senator, speaking for 24 hours and 18 minutes”. And in 1964 Robert Byrd gave a 14 hour and 13 minute address as part of a 75 hour filibuster over similar legislation.

In the end, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed. Just like health care reform will pass in the near future.

Not because one side tried harder than the other. But because it was the right thing to do.

Fifty years ago the Dixiecrats were on the wrong side of history just like the Republicans and some Dems are now.

And fifty years from now we’ll all look back, healthy and safe from potential financial disaster caused by health problems, and wonder what all the fuss was about.